| | AUGUST 20249CIOReviewInstituting Culture ChangeAs Peter Drucker famously stated, "culture eats strategy for breakfast," emphasizing the immense importance of culture in the success of any organization, including local governments. Strategic plans alone are insufficient to drive meaningful change; instead, initiating a culture shift must start at the highest levels of an organization. For example, data governance, data sharing, and data-informed decision-making are critical to prioritize to ensure the effectiveness of smart city initiatives. Local governments must equip their departments with technical expertise to ensure clean, regularly updated, and accessible data. This will enable evidence-based decision-making and foster trust among stakeholders. It is imperative for executive leadership in our cities to cultivate an environment of innovation by dedicating purposeful resources to lay the foundation for tomorrow's model city. Finding Hope Around UsLocal governments hold immense potential for positive change within their communities. No other form of government is more directly responsive to its constituents. It is within our cities that new ideas form. It is where policy is implemented. It is where results are seen and impacts measured. San Antonio's progress in smart cities stands as a testament to the power of collaboration among the public and private sectors, academia, community organizations, and nonprofits. The path to driving impact and scaling solutions necessitates collective action.As we navigate a world undergoing rapid transformation, local governments must adapt and seize the opportunities presented by the smart cities movement. By harnessing emerging technologies, fostering meaningful engagement with residents, and promoting collaboration with stakeholders, local governments can rebuild trust, enhance public services, and effectively address complex challenges. It is through these concerted efforts that the vision of a more responsive, proactive, and efficient government can become a reality. We can create a brighter future for our communities, but we must act together. We must act smarter together. By harnessing emerging technologies, fostering meaningful engagement with residents, and promoting collaboration with stakeholders, local governments can rebuild trust, enhance public services, and effectively address complex challenges
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